Supporting the designation of October 16, 2025, and October 16, 2026, as "World Food Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 817

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-11-19T21:55:01Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 817) aims to express support for designating October 16, 2025, and October 16, 2026, as "World Food Day." It highlights the global crisis of hunger and malnutrition, acknowledges the United States' historical role in addressing food insecurity, and encourages public awareness and action to combat these issues.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Global Hunger: Outlines statistics on food insecurity, noting that about 2.3 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024, with increases in affected populations, especially in Africa and western Asia. It emphasizes vulnerabilities for women, children, rural populations, and those impacted by conflicts, weather extremes, and resource scarcity.
• U.S. Role and Commitments: Affirms the U.S. tradition of humanitarian aid, leadership in agricultural innovation, and involvement in international food standards. It stresses the need for conserving resources, research, and private sector involvement to build resilient food systems.
• Historical Context of World Food Day: Notes that World Food Day was established in 1945 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, observed annually in over 130 countries, and previously supported by U.S. Congress, the President, states, and federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture.
• Resolution Actions:
• Supports the designation of the specified dates as World Food Day.
• Encourages U.S. citizens to participate in ceremonies, educational activities, and year-round programs focused on hunger awareness.
• Reaffirms U.S. commitment to fighting global food insecurity through humanitarian aid and innovative solutions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior congressional proclamations supporting World Food Day but does not amend any legal frameworks.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May prompt symbolic actions or programs from agencies like the Department of Agriculture, such as awareness campaigns, but imposes no new requirements or funding obligations.
• On Citizens: Encourages public engagement through education, advocacy, and community events, potentially increasing domestic awareness of global and local hunger issues, including vulnerabilities among certain U.S. groups.
• On International Relations: Reinforces the U.S. image as a leader in global food security and humanitarian efforts, potentially strengthening partnerships with international organizations and over 130 countries observing World Food Day. It could indirectly support U.S. goals in addressing transboundary issues like pests, diseases, and resource conflicts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Global Populations: Primarily the 2.3 billion people facing food insecurity, including vulnerable groups like women, children, and rural communities in regions such as Africa and western Asia.
• U.S. Citizens and Communities: Individuals, private voluntary organizations, and community leaders involved in hunger relief, who may use the designation for advocacy and programs.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Businesses: Groups planning World Food Day events and those innovating in food production and distribution.
• Government Entities: U.S. House of Representatives, federal agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture), and international bodies like the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.
• Agricultural and Research Sectors: Farmers, researchers, and policymakers focused on sustainable practices, biodiversity, and innovation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding legal effect and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It serves as an expression of congressional sentiment rather than enforceable policy.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in foreign affairs and commerce under Article I, but remains symbolic without infringing on executive powers in humanitarian aid.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for global issues, potentially fostering unity on humanitarian topics. It underscores ongoing concerns about food security amid climate change and conflicts, which could influence future policy debates on aid, trade, and environmental conservation without mandating action.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-10-17: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Supporting the designation of October 16, 2025, and October 16, 2026, as "World Food Day". — issued 2025-10-17 — PDF (5 pages)